Archive · 1 Oct 2026
India To Review Aviation Security After Flydubai Mid-Air Attack
India is checking its airplane security rules after a frightening Flydubai incident.
The incident happened while a plane was flying to Tel Aviv.
An Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian pilot Smit Machchhar.
Reports also said the co-pilot tried to crash the plane.
More than 170 passengers were aboard.
Indian officials are studying what happened and whether the rules are strong enough.
They may review how pilots are assessed and whether Sky Marshals are needed on some routes.
They will also look at how different security agencies work together.
India is examining the Flydubai mid-air attack from an aviation security perspective.
Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Sinha said authorities are assessing the incident and its security implications.
The review could examine crew psychometric assessments, airline procedures and Sky Marshal deployment.
Officials may assess coordination among airlines, the Central Industrial Security Force, the National Security Guard, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
The incident involved an alleged attack by an Omani co-pilot on Indian pilot Smit Machchhar during a flight to Tel Aviv carrying more than 170 passengers.
- Who
- Indian aviation authorities, Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Sinha, pilot Smit Machchhar and an Omani co-pilot were involved in the reported incident and review.
- What
- India is considering a comprehensive review of aviation security protocols after an alleged mid-air cockpit attack.
- When
- The Flydubai incident occurred on Wednesday; Sameer Sinha discussed the review on Thursday.
- Where
- The incident occurred aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv while the aircraft was airborne.
- Why
- Authorities are assessing whether existing safeguards adequately address attacks originating from within the cockpit.
- Incident
- An alleged mid-air attack aboard a Flydubai flight
- Affected pilot
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar
- Alleged attacker
- An Omani co-pilot
- Flight destination
- Tel Aviv
- Passengers
- More than 170
- Potential review areas
- Crew psychometric assessments, airline procedures, Sky Marshal deployment and agency coordination
- Agencies mentioned
- Central Industrial Security Force, National Security Guard, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Directorate General of Civil Aviation